Drivers in Australia face some of the highest parking costs in the world, with Sydney ranking as the worst city for finding a spot. According to a June 2025 report by finance comparison site iSelect, which analyzed hourly rates, the number of available spots within a 2km radius of the city centre, and average user ratings, the NSW capital claimed the top spot for the most difficult parking experience. Despite the high demand, motorists have access to only 156 spaces within that distance, and the average cost to park an hour is $32.09.
Expensive spots in the biggest cities
Drivers paying the highest daily rates often head to specific locations in the city. A separate report from real estate company Ray White and Drive identified Wilson Parking sites in O’Connell Street, Martin Place, Elizabeth Street, Parkhouse, and Hudson House as the most expensive. These locations charge drivers $95 for a daily stay lasting more than two hours. Brisbane ranks second on iSelect’s list of the worst cities for parking, despite having 256 spaces within a 2km radius of the CBD. The city also features some of the most expensive casual parking rates in the country, averaging $80 per session.
Melbourne sits in third place on the worst cities list. The city has 687 parking spaces within a 2km radius of the centre, but the average user rating for these spots is low at 2.90 out of 5. New Newcastle and Hobart round out the bottom five, with Newcastle offering 181 spots and Hobart providing 240 locations, according to the data.
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Regional spots offer better rates
Drivers heading to regional areas often find better value and more space. Toowoomba in Queensland’s south-east tops the list of the best cities for parking, with 224 locations within a 2km radius of the town centre. The average hourly rate there is $5.65. Ballarat in Victoria’s west ranks second, offering 142 parking spots and a median rate of approximately $3 per hour. Cairns follows in third, with 167 sites and an average hourly rate of $3.48.
According to Adrian Bennett, the General Manager of Insurance at iSelect, the best locations share a few key traits. “The ideal city needs plenty of space for drivers to park their cars, facilities that are easy to get by foot after you’ve left your vehicle, and affordable hourly rates that won’t leave your wallet feeling lighter once you return,” he said in a media statement. Safety is also a major factor, as poorly designed spaces can leave vehicles vulnerable to damage from other drivers.
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